Striking A Blow Against Chop Blocks

Why the need for reform? Well, on Oct. 5, the Bucs lost in overtime to the Rams, 26-20. Los Angeles won the coin toss, drove the field and scored. "We didn't even have a chance to touch the ball," Young says.

Fans have forever grumbled that the team that wins the coin toss in overtime always wins the game. But that's not true. Of the 117 overtime games since sudden death was instituted in 1974, 56 teams that won the toss won the game; 53 teams that lost the toss won the game, and there were eight ties. Only 38 teams have immediately driven to the winning score.

Like father like son? Well, NFL players are split as to whether they would like their sons to play pro football.

Those who gave a resounding yes:

•Ron Baker, Eagles guard: "This game gives a person a sense of respect. You have to be on time. You have to work together. You have to take orders. All that means discipline. And you just can't get that everywhere."

•Gary Kubiak, Bronco quarterback: "It would give me a reason to keep going to games."

•Chris Bahr, Raider kicker: "He can take care of me when I'm older."

•Bryan Millard, the Seahawks' 6'5", 284-pound guard: "In Texas, where I come from, you start playing at age seven. If my kid's anything like me, he'll probably want to play. God didn't make this old body of mine to go run around and avoid people with. When He made this body. He said, 'There, go bump into people with that thing. Get in their way and knock 'em around. Just don't let 'em get to that skinny guy behind you [the quarterback].' "

And those players who aren't keen on the idea:

•Frank Pollard, Steeler running back: "I played just to get ahead. I want things to be a lot easier for him. I want him to go through and get an education and go the easier way."